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by Emily-Sue Sloane, MA Editorial Staff   | Abstract: | Discrete and hybrid manufacturers are anxious to try wireless sensor networks on for size. But first they're hoping to see a new ISA100-based standard. |
| Keywords: | wireless standard for discrete manufacturing, wireless sensor networks |
If the shoe doesn't fit, design a different shoe. That's essentially what a group of manufacturers and vendors is proposing be done for discrete and hybrid manufacturers that want to bring wireless networking technology into their plants.
The ill-fitting shoe in this case is the proposed ISA100.11a wireless standard. Although that standard initiative has gained a significant following and helped inspire growing interest in industrial wireless networking applications, ISA100.11a was developed for process manufacturing, not discrete or hybrid manufacturers.
Now a group of industry leaders — including representatives from manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Ford, General Motors, and Boeing — is pushing for a version of ISA100.11a specifically for discrete and hybrid manufacturers. Their goal: to save money and improve plant floor data collection by using standard wireless networks rather than complex and expensive wired networks.
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